Mo. Identifies Deficient Water Systems

Dec 10, 2007

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources recently released a list of 37 drinking water systems that have chronically failed to conduct required bacteriological testing.

The department requires all public water systems to test for bacteria at least once a month to verify that these systems are providing safe drinking water to the public. While failing to monitor does not necessarily mean the water is unsafe, routine testing is a crucial part of maintaining a safe water supply.

The vast majority of community and non-community public water systems in Missouri comply with all monitoring requirements and meet all drinking water standards. Chronic violators are the exception rather than the rule, as this current list of 37 systems represents only 1.3 percent of the approximately 2,800 public drinking water systems in Missouri.

Bacteriological testing can be the first step in identifying and correcting a problem. The next step is to investigate the cause of any bad samples and perform corrective action, such as disinfecting and flushing the system. When a public water system has a record of both failing to monitor and a history of exceeding contaminant levels, this may raise concerns about the unknown quality of the drinking water.

If a water sample tests positive for total coliform bacteria, further testing is then performed for fecal coliform or E. coli bacteria, which can directly cause gastrointestinal illness. Most samples that test positive for total coliform, test negative for fecal coliform or E. coli. The total coliform-positive samples that are listed tested negative for fecal coliform or E. coli, unless specifically stated otherwise.

To view more details on the violators listed below, visit the department's Web site.

Morgan -- Frog's, Smoked on the Water, The Dummy, Three Pigs Bar B Q and Grill,

Uncle Sam's Ice Cream and Deli

Ozark -- Rainbow Trout and Game Ranch, The Grapevine

St. Louis -- Concord Village Youth Sports Complex

Stone -- Cape Fair Mobile Home Park, Pizza World, Starlight Village,

Starrlite Village 4th Addition, Stormy Point Campground and Resort

Taney -- Branson Log Homes, Croc's Place

Washington -- L & M Mobile Home Park

Webster -- Country Quick Stop

These systems' owners have been sent multiple violation notices in addition to certified letters informing them that chronic failure to monitor is unacceptable. Representatives of the Department of Natural Resources also routinely make on-site inspections and attempt to reach an agreement with the responsible parties to ensure sampling requirements will be met. If these parties continue to fail to comply with Missouri's drinking water law, the department pursues more stringent enforcement action through legal channels.

For more information, contact the department's Water Protection Program at
1-800-361-4827 or (573) 751-8309.